Knocking a wall done with fireplace each side

lauren341

we have a load bearing wall which we plan to knock through. The issue is on both sides of the wall we have a angled fire place. Which is replicated in the rooms above. Once the wall is knocked through a supported we would like to convert the 2 angles fireplaces into one rectangular “standard” fireplace. We don’t plan to install a wood burner or similar at the moment. Is this possible I presume the upstairs fire places would have to removed/altered as well? Obviously we will get a structural engineer out so we know what RSJ is needed but don’t want to have to pay for a structural engineer if we can have the fireplace as a “standard” one and have to keep them Angled.

SameOldRoundabout

I think we need a diagram or floor plan. Are you saying that if you can’t do your fireplace plan you won’t knock the wall down? If you’re knocking the wall down regardless you will be employing a structural engineer for calculations and they will advise on the fireplaces. If you’re not sure it’s possible at all the builders you get in for quotes will probably be able to tell you that. 

mcooke999

I don't need a floorplan to know what you're doing. It sounds like you want to knock two rooms into one downstairs (or at least remove part of the internal wall) but in the corners of each of the rooms there are old angled chimney breast on apposing sides of the wall, is this correct?

You won't be able to get the right answer for free on here I'm afraid. The removal of an internal load bearing wall and chimney breast(s) are something that will need a Structural Engineer to review BEFORE you start the work. You are also required to seek Building Regulations Approval for this type of work BY LAW. It is illigal to attempt any work of this nature without going through Building Control (who in turn will request a copy of the Structural Engineers report / calculations) before signing anything off.

Removal of a loadbearing element of a building can have other negative consiquences to the stability & robustness of other elements of the building without the layperson even realising.

Don't let a builder tell you otherwise either. They usually just want to get on with it without consulting anyone, at best leaving you with issues selling your house in the future and at worst leaving you with untold structural issues down the line. Trust me, I'm a Structural Engineer and I've seen it all before, believe me.

FreeBear

mcooke999 said: Don't let a builder tell you otherwise either. They usually just want to get on with it without consulting anyone, at best leaving you with issues selling your house in the future and at worst leaving you with untold structural issues down the line.

And of course, it is the home owner that is liable if the council decide to prosecute. The builder will have disappeared leaving the owner to pick up the pieces & bill. Do not take chances with a chimney. A warning of what might happen if things go wrong (I've posted this one before).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HF1pHzGkSC4

 

lauren341

This is the floor plan, it’s on ground floor, between the lounge and dining room we want to knock that wall down.

mcooke999

You will need to speak to a Structural Engineer Lauren.

SameOldRoundabout

I agree, you need to speak to an expert about this before you make plans. I’m not sure how that could successfully be converted into a single fireplace with ease, as each fire will have its own entry to the main stack and you’d probably have to alter it all the way up to convert it. Well worth spending the money to get it looked at properly.